Author's Note: Umm.gomen (sorry) for the delay! My mother restricts our
computer time now; 1 hour in all (INCLUDING INTERNET!) So now I gotta be
careful about what I spend my time online doing. Since it's second
semester at my high school, we've got a crap-load of homework (especially
in English) and so I spend most of my computer time doing that instead of
writing! I AM SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY! I REALLY WANTED THE NEXT CHAPPY OUT
BY VALENTINE'S DAY! Anyway, read, review, enjoy!
Also, please read the notes at the bottom of the page!
Chapter 5: First Day, First Date
Bulma awoke to a quiet, insistent rapping on her door. Muttering a soft curse, she pulled a pillow over her head and shut her eyes tightly.
"Bulma.are you awake?" asked a muffled voice from the other side of the door. Bulma recognized it immediately.
"Rutabe.SHIT! I overslept! Dammit!" she swore, swiftly flinging the covers from her bed and racing over to the door.
Upon opening the entry-way, Bulma's flustered expression was met by a surprised, but extremely entertained, Saiyan's.
"Rutabe.I'm so sorry! I-" she began.
"Bulma, it's fine! Really. In fact, I'm actually a bit early! Don't worry, you've still got time to get ready." he cut in, his handsome face smiling brilliantly.
"You're sure?" Bulma asked, irritably pushing a stray blue lock from her face, suddenly realizing that she was wearing nothing but a spaghetti- strapped top and flannel pajama bottoms. 'Not exactly the best of first impressions,' she thought wryly.
But Rutabe didn't seem to mind her state of undress, looking straight into her eyes instead of over her body.
"Um.may I come in?" he ventured.
"Oh! Of course you can!" Bulma exclaimed, quickly moving out of the way for his entrance.
"Thanks. I can hang out in the den while you get ready if you like."
"Yeah, sure. That'd be fine. Do you know where it i-" but Bulma didn't even need to finish her sentence before Rutabe was already out of the bedroom and comfortably situated in the other room. The woman felt a twinge of apprehension at this development. He knew her apartment. He must have been here before. But then, did that mean that he was the one who had driven Nrocinu's old roommate insane? Maybe going out on a date with him wasn't so great of an idea after all.
Seemingly sensing Bulma's sudden change of mood, Rutabe ducked his head back into the room and announced reassuringly, "I am one of Nrocinu's best friends. I've been here so many times that I'm sure I could draw a map of it blindfolded!"
Breathing a sigh of relief (though not quite sure why), Bulma nodded and selected a dress from her wardrobe, padding into the bathroom and shutting the door partially.
As she changed her garments, put her hair up in a bun and dabbed on some makeup, Bulma inquired, "So Rutabe.where exactly are we going for breakfast?"
"To this little café-type restaurant. It's called Tsuki-no-biki's. I know Tsuki, the owner; she's really quite nice. I think you'll like her." Rutabe answered from the den.
"Sounds great!" Bulma exclaimed. "Hey." she began, finally noticing her roommate's still-empty bed, "where's Nrocinu?"
"Oh, yeah. She was totally hammered last night and called me to take her to the infirmary. She'll be fine. Just had a little TOO much fun after her shift." the Saiyan replied, chuckling good-naturedly.
Laughing as well, Bulma grabbed a pair of shoes from the armoire and trotted over to his room. "I'm ready!" she stated, watching the alien's face take in her appearance with studious approval.
The creamy low-necked summer dress dotted with tiny purple jasmine clung auspiciously to Bulma's curves; showing off her already very impressive figure. The dress had loose, sheer material trailing from its tank-top sleeves that swept far past her wrists and fastened to a small loop of fabric that was slipped around the middle finger on each hand. The loose bun and fugitive tresses that slipped from their position framed the woman's face in a halo of blue waves, and the matching open-toed sandals that decorated Bulma's feet made her look even more fashionable than could have been achieved by any other accessories. However, one more decoration attracted Rutabe's attention. It was a small, white-gold toe-ring adorned with a single sapphire gem.
Motioning towards the ring, Rutabe asked, "What's the story behind that piece of jewelry?"
Looking down, Bulma began shyly, "It was my mother's. My father gave it to her for their first date. She gave it to me just before.before."
"I see." Rutabe replied, sensing her reservation about talking about something so personal. "I understand. Only now, it makes me feel somewhat sheepish; I mean, I didn't exactly get you anything special for our first date."
"Oh Rutabe, that's all right! You don't need to give me anything! I was surprised that you even asked me out."
"You shouldn't be. You're a very attractive young woman, Bulma Briefs. But, if you don't mind my asking, how is it you were able to keep that little ring safe for all these years?"
"Well, slave-masters aren't usually obsessed with their servants' feet, now are they?" said the woman, a small smile alighting her features.
"I shall take that as the undeniable truth, then! Come now. Let us be on our way to Tsuki's!" suggested the Saiyan.
"Most definitely. I don't think I've ever been so hungry in my life!" exclaimed the woman, latching onto Rutabe's arm and prancing alongside him as they left the apartment.
* * * * *
The duo had been walking down the unusually empty corridor for around two minutes before Bulma finally opened her mouth to begin a conversation.
"You said we're going to Tsuki's, and then to my new job, right? So where am I to be working?" asked Bulma.
"In one of Juick's high-level labs. He said you had a knack for putting things together; thought you'd fit in and be at your best in the technological-sciences wing."
"Nrocinu also had some choice careers picked for me." chirped the woman.
"What, pray tell, does she want you to do?" inquired Rutabe, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"She told me that she'll teach me how to dance so I can join her on the night shift at one of the complex's bars."
"And you said.?"
"I told her that I'd be thrilled to do it. It's every Earth-girl's fantasy to be a sensual dancer!" Bulma replied, swinging her hips seductively for emphasis.
"And I can see you've already got the 'God-given' talent necessary to pursue such a goal!" consented Rutabe, placing his hand boldly on the woman's right hip. "But allow me to give you a few.private lessons.."
Stopping in the middle of the hallway, Rutabe turned Bulma to him, and, ignoring her half-hearted protests about blocking the path for others, slid both of his hands to rest just above her hips and began twirling them in slow, lazy circles.
"You see." he began, "you gotta pretend like you're nothing but.oh, dammit; what's that wiggly food you Earthlings are so fond of?"
"Jell-o?" the woman supplied with a broad grin.
"Yes! Jell-o! Just let the motions be fluid, like you're designed for nothing but smooth movements. See? It's easy."
Feeling sheepish about having a handsome man instruct her on how to seduce other males, Bulma shied away from him quickly.
"Um.uh.oh." she stuttered, blushing like a schoolgirl, "I think we should probably be.ahem.be getting along to Tsuki's before our shifts start.."
Smiling winningly, Rutabe nodded. "Yes; at this rate, I'm afraid we'll never make it to breakfast!"
Her cheeks flushing even more, Bulma gave a shy smile and began walking again; almost squeaking in delighted surprise when Rutabe set his arm around her shoulder once more.
"So, um, Rutabe.what do you do to 'pay back' Juick?" she finally gulped out.
"I'm the head of his off-planet military forces. A bisexual, rare-species hunter has many enemies, you know." Rutabe replied, his eyes twinkling merrily.
"Sounds interesting.. What exactly do you do when off-planet?"
"I command a sizeable number of soldiers and we travel around to Juick's planetary purchases and make sure that no opposing persons try to lay claim to what our 'beloved lord' has already procured. Occasionally, we have to fight small wars with others who might try to unseat Juick's empire. However," Rutabe added, seeing Bulma's alarmed face, "we always win."
"That's good, I suppose. Are you gone often?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I only get about three days rest each month; but then, I don't typically have anything that I truly wish to stick around for. Rubiu and Shubaik are on my team, so we're always together. And about the only reason Nrocinu needs me around is to reassure her that her latest beau is better than the last. That, and she is quite fond of my remedy for 'accidental alcohol-over dosage,' as she calls it."
"Nrocinu is very.spirited, is she not?"
"Most definitely. If she isn't a bad example, then she's the best one you're liable to find in so punctual a place. Juick's rather strict when it comes to his 'rules and regulations,' but, most of the time, we all just blow him off."
A new thought occurring to her, Bulma questioned, "Rutabe, if your almost constantly off-planet picking fights, then how do you find the time to look for your brother?"
"Well, according to the information I've uncovered thus-far, it seems my long-lost sibling was sold a while ago to the services of some power-hungry tyrant. I'm hoping that, sometime on one of my missions, I may run across the dictator and actually find my brother."
"But doesn't that make you worry? I mean if you were to be at odds with your brother's master, then you'd be fighting with him as well, right?"
"That's a chance I'm willing to take. It's hard when you're all alone, as I'm sure you know well. But I'm not concerned with killing my own brethren, I'd know him if I saw him. I don't want to try to force him into service with me under Juick; I simply want to get to know him. We used to be best friends, but that all changed when our planet was destroyed and we were shipped in separate directions. If he's alive, I don't plan on killing him."
Eager for a distraction from the uncomfortable and rather touchy conversation that had only just begun, Bulma glanced around at the open area they had just entered. A glass roof exposed a vivid red sky filled with creamy clouds and allowed for the brilliantly bright star that was the planet's sun to flood light into the square enclosed by various shops and restaurants. Noticing for the first time that this was the only area she had so far encountered with a direct view into the outside world, Bulma's interest was piqued and she turned to question her escort.
"Rutabe, why is it that everything on Aurerua seems to be enclosed? Isn't this planet hospitable?"
"Aurerua is only fit for life 3 months out of its 17 month year." he replied casually, searching for Tsuki's café.
"Really? So is the entire planet covered by one huge building then?"
"Pretty much, with the only exception being the south side. That area is completely covered with swampland, not good conditions for constructing an enormous compound like this."
"Didn't Aurerua ever have any beings living on it?"
"Nope. Like I said, only 3 months out of the year is it livable. Before Juick transformed it into his intergalactic zoo.forgive the terminology.Aurerua was completely empty; 'ripe for the picking,' as your people say. Ah-ha! Here's Tsuki's.finally!"
Smiling pleasantly, Bulma followed Rutabe's lead as he strolled into the charming building. Tsuki-no-biki's was a lovely little restaurant situated on the north side of the square. To Bulma, it looked like cookie-cutter cottage one might see in a child's faerie-tale book or on the outskirts of some Swiss town. The double-doors were opened wide to admit customers and the inside was dramatically lit with small lanterns situated at the center of each table. The bar at the rear of the café with a large neon sign above it reading "????? ???? E????=!" immediately drew the woman's attention.
Pointing at the sign, Bulma asked, "What does that mean, Rutabe?"
Searching for his hostess friend in the filled restaurant, Rutabe merely glanced up before replying with a grin, "It says, 'Alcohol Not Served!' Tsuki is adamant when it comes to her vow of not serving the 'Devil's Drink.' Needless to say, Nrocinu doesn't come here much."
"Oh." Bulma said with a chuckle.
Still standing in the entrance, the couple scoured the room for a place to sit. Bulma was visibly amazed at the large crowd the obviously popular café attracted and Rutabe was in high spirits as he finally spotted and hailed the elderly female serving her customers from behind the bar. Excusing herself from her numerous patrons, the lady swept across the floor expertly, headed for her new guests.
"Rutie! How fabulous to see you again, my love!" Tsuki greeted warmly, her gray eyes twinkling gleefully as she opened her arms to the Saiyan.
Bulma examined the alien as she came to a stop in front of the duo. The woman seemed to be almost human in appearance, that is, until Bulma realized that their hostess had a fine assortment of tiny horns adorning her head in a crown-like manner, mild webbing between her fingers and, her most obvious inhuman characteristic, skin as blue as the midnight sky of Earth. Despite her somewhat threatening horns, Tsuki had the voice of a kindly grandmother and the lines on her face that indicated wisdom achieved only through a long life.
"Hello, Tsuki. It's a pleasure, as always!" replied Rutabe, grinning at her pet-name for him and stepping into her embrace.
"Darling, the pleasure is all mine and you damn well know it!" scolded Tsuki merrily. "But tell me, my love, who is this exquisite young creature accompanying you today?"
"Tsuki, I would be pleased to introduce you to Aurerua's newest arrival, Miss Bulma Briefs of planet Earth."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Tsuki." Bulma said with a slight bow.
"Oh darling! There's no need for formalities with me! It's Tsuki, and I can already tell I'm going to enjoy your pleasant company!" chided the elderly alien, pulling the couple into the restaurant and leading them to a corner table. "Come now, you two! I've saved Rutie's favorite table, as usual. It's been a while since I've seen you, my love; I'll be right over for a little chat as soon as I tend to those ruffian Ikusesae lingering at the bar!"
With her words, Tsuki not-so-graciously pushed her guests into their booth and went flouncing back over to the bar where three vicious-looking males with innumerable eyes and fiendish claws were arguing loudly in a strange language.
"Ikusesae are some of the most quarrelsome alien traders here." Rutabe informed Bulma lightly.
"You mean they're not another one of Juick's 'investments'?" queried the woman curiously.
"No. We have just as many aliens belonging to Juick's collection here as we do visiting ones. This place is a haven for traders and slave-dealers alike. Unfortunately, that means we often get the most undesirable of citizens hanging around in our otherwise reputable establishments." the Saiyan stated, making an irritated face.
"Tsuki seems to know how to deal with them." stated Bulma with a laugh, watching in amusement as the little old woman swiped at one of the creatures with a frying pan that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Yep. Tsuki's a spunky old thing, that's for sure." Rutabe agreed, grinning when one of the hostess' swings connected with a hapless Ikusesa's head. "She's like a grandmother to me. I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for her support of my quest to find my brother; she's about the only one who has commended my efforts instead of laughing at them."
"Some grandmother," Bulma muttered good-naturedly, watching in amusement as Tsuki chased the three agitators out the door, "just doesn't go around making trouble in her café!"
"Wiser words have never been spoken!" commended Rutabe as the subject of their conversation drew near.
"So kids, what'll it be today?" chirped Tsuki cheerily.
"I'll take whatever you've got, just please.don't hurt me!" kidded the Saiyan, sinking down in his seat in mock-fright.
Rolling her eyes, Tsuki turned to Bulma expectantly. Glancing down in front of her, Bulma realized that there was a menu there that she hadn't even bothered to open. Sheepishly, she picked up the card and began scanning its contents.getting even more embarrassed when she realized that she couldn't read a thing.
"Um.I.uh.." the woman stuttered helplessly.
"Give us two house specials, Tsuki. My lady-friend here hasn't had her translator module implanted yet." Rutabe interjected.
"Oh, I see!" Tsuki exclaimed with a warm smile. "It's okay, hun, they should be getting' around to new implantations this evening. You won't be clueless forever!"
Nodding, Bulma watched as the alien sauntered away to fill their orders.
"If I don't have that module-thing you were talking about, Rutabe," she began, "how come I can understand her? And you, for that matter?"
"Well, you understand me because I know your language quite fluently. And Tsuki just naturally picks up speaking whatever language her customers are chatting in when she walks up to them."
"Is that a normal talent of her species?"
"Not really. You see, Yugoes, her kind, don't have any written or spoken language, but they do have a unique ability to communicate with other beings using the strangers' language. However, that skill is not limited to being simply in written or spoken form. Tsuki developed her talent by forcing herself to communicate using only spoken words; and so, while its basis may have been natural, its development was not." Rutabe explained.
"I see." murmured Bulma, watching as the woman in question began shouting at her chief in a new language through a serving window.
Having completed her duty, Tsuki galloped back over to Rutabe and Bulma, plopping down in the seat next to the Saiyan.
"So, Rutie, doll, what'cha been up to these past couple'a weeks?" she asked cheerily.
"Not much, Tsuki. Basically, I've just planet-hopping and workin' to try and repair Juick and Emperor Rhazadaikl's tumultuous political relationship. The Kimishima Clan lord refuses to accept an audience with me. It's as if he's afraid of what I might do to him!" exclaimed Rutabe innocently.
Giggling lightly, Tsuki swiveled her head back over to Bulma.
"And what about you, dear? How are you settling in here on Aurerua?" the woman inquired politely.
"I'm fine." Bulma assured her. "I only just arrived yesterday, and so far, Rutabe's been the most gracious tour guide anyone could expect. He has been truly kind to me."
Rutabe's grin lit up at the human's praise, and he turned to Tsuki as she began to speak again.
"I think it's wonderful that Rutabe's been so charming to you. A pretty girl like yourself should expect the flowery words and sultry charm of males, and better that you learn so from a gentleman like Rutie than some heathen you meet in a dark hall!"
"Tsuki!" Rutabe objected, shocked. "I am not 'flowering-up' Bulma! I just so happen to find her a very friendly person whom I would like to be friends with!"
The elderly woman waved her hand nonchalantly, turning her attention from Rutabe's sputtering protests and Bulma's cherry-red face as their meals arrived. While Rutabe's complaints were temporarily halted by the bringing of food, Bulma's face would not cease its infernal burning. However, she was not merely embarrassed by Tsuki's words, but also a bit hurt by the Saiyan's immediate response to his friend's words. So Rutabe only wanted to be friends with her? Bulma tried to swallow the keen disappointment she felt; it's not like they had exchanged relationship vows or anything! She barely knew the man, for Kami's sake! But, all-in-all, she was still somewhat upset with Rutabe's protest against a possible romantic relationship blossoming quickly between the two of them.
Turning her attention from her uncomfortable thoughts, Bulma redirected it instead on the delicious smell wafting from the food set in front of her. Examining the meal with exaggerated interest, the woman took careful note of the surprisingly familiar staples before her.was it possible?
"Bacon and eggs.and pancakes?!" she exclaimed in delight. "I haven't had this for years!"
Smiling broadly, Tsuki replied, "Yes, dear. Earth-food has been a big fad on Aurerua for the past three years. It seems that your cholesterol-filled meals are just what my customers need after long trips or night shifts. In any case, I'm pleased that you like it."
"Oh, I do!" assured the human. "Back home, I used to love pancakes and bacon and eggs! But, however did you learn to make them?"
"Well, Rutabe here has been kind enough to pick up little souvenirs for me on his trips. One of my favorite gifts to get is cookbooks. I am in the opinion that it is nice to be able to expand one's palate, don't you agree?" answered Tsuki.
"I'm inclined to agree; though, I must admit, I am not always open to new tastes." replied Bulma, picking up a utensil that vaguely resembled a fork and beginning to cut up her food with it.
Nodding, Tsuki also began digging in, followed quickly by Rutabe.
The meal was delicious to Bulma. The eggs were somewhat rubbery, the bacon slightly charred, and the pancakes weren't fully cooked, but she ordered another helping all the same. After mowing through her seconds, Bulma was pleasantly stuffed and watching in amazement as Rutabe plowed through his seventh helping.
"Wow, that Saiyan sure can eat!" whispered Bulma to Tsuki, who was also finished eating.
"You think that's bad? You should have seen him as a child! Always munching on one course or another! However, he's gotten much more.polite in the way he eats." Tsuki muttered back, frowning as a stray piece of pancake smacked into the side of her head.
Stifling a giggle, Bulma covered her mouth and turned away to hide the mirth in her eyes.
Almost ten minutes later, Rutabe was finally stuffed after his twenty-sixth helping. Bulma was, in short, shocked at how much food the lean, muscular man could pack away. 'Where does he keep it all?' she wondered.
"Ah! Delicious, as usual, Tsuki!" Rutabe praised, picking up a toothpick from a small jar on the table and putting it behind his ear for later use. "Now, Bulma, should we be on our way? I need to get you to Dr. Urasuea within the hour or he'll have my hide!"
"Sure." Bulma agreed, surprised when Tsuki got up to let Rutabe out, crinkling up the check a waitress had just dropped on the table. "But," Bulma protested, "what about the bill?"
"Don't worry, hon." reassured Tsuki. "Rutie never needs to pay, and neither do his lovely lady dates."
"Wow, thank you so very much!" exclaimed Bulma as she got up from her seat and put out a hand to shake with the old lady.
"No shaking." scolded Tsuki. "I feel like you are my granddaughter! Give me a hug, honey!"
Obligingly, Bulma stepped forward and put her arms around the alien's neck, giving her a quick squeeze before taking up Rutabe's offered arm and strolling from the restaurant.
As they left the charming building, Bulma commented, "You were right, Rutabe."
"About what?" he asked, cleaning his teeth with the toothpick as they walked.
"I do like her." answered Bulma.
"I knew you would." agreed Rutabe. "Now, let's get down to the labs!"
Smiling and with a curt nod, Bulma followed quickly alongside Rutabe, almost skipping in her excitement.
Waving at the unnoticing duo as they pranced away, Tsuki smiled dreamily as she thought of the lovely couple that had just left her company.
"Rutabe, for her sake, I hope you'll take care of her.protect her from everyone, including yourself." she murmured softly.
* * * * *
PLEASE KEEP READING!!!
Author's Note: And there you have it! The 5th installment of BTAC! Hopefully, ya'll like it! Anyway, I've decided that, for this chappy, I'm goin' to have pronunciations for my characters (since I'm about the only one who knows exactly how to say them!) Here they are:
Pronunications
Qorgin (yes, he will reappear sometime in the future).Quar-gen Juick.Joo-ick Rutabe.Root-uh-bay (like the vegetable, rutabaga!) Nrocinu.Ner-rock-in-oo Rubiu.Roo-bee-oo (this was originally gonna be Vegeta's brother, but I decided instead on Rutabe and made Rubiu Rutabe's friend) Shubaik.Shoe-bike Aurerua.Ar-rear-ru-uh Tsuki.Soo-key (it means moon, she's named after my frightening friend whose internet name is "Tsuki no biki," or "maiden of the moon") Ikusesa.Ee-cues-say-suh Yugoe.You-go
And, um.I think that's all.so far! Sorry again for the late post! It wasn't my plan (in addition to my mother's limiting our computer time, the stupid machine broke and it took us two weeks to get it fixed). Anyway, please review this latest chappy and lemme know what'cha think! If you wanna AIM me, my AIM screenname is below, and so is my email addy. Feel free to AIM me (I'm on nearly every night at about 9 pm Mountain Time) or e- mail me anytime, we can chat it up about BTAC and my plans for it or debate some of my *many* inconsistencies (at least I'm sure there's many, my prob as a writer, I change my mind too much!) Domo arigatou for the kind reviews thus-far! Ja'ne!
AIM: Startigress04 or FuzziPanda16
E-mail: Trunkszgrl@hotmail.com
CHAPTER SIX WILL BE UP A.S.A.P!!!!
Also, please read the notes at the bottom of the page!
Chapter 5: First Day, First Date
Bulma awoke to a quiet, insistent rapping on her door. Muttering a soft curse, she pulled a pillow over her head and shut her eyes tightly.
"Bulma.are you awake?" asked a muffled voice from the other side of the door. Bulma recognized it immediately.
"Rutabe.SHIT! I overslept! Dammit!" she swore, swiftly flinging the covers from her bed and racing over to the door.
Upon opening the entry-way, Bulma's flustered expression was met by a surprised, but extremely entertained, Saiyan's.
"Rutabe.I'm so sorry! I-" she began.
"Bulma, it's fine! Really. In fact, I'm actually a bit early! Don't worry, you've still got time to get ready." he cut in, his handsome face smiling brilliantly.
"You're sure?" Bulma asked, irritably pushing a stray blue lock from her face, suddenly realizing that she was wearing nothing but a spaghetti- strapped top and flannel pajama bottoms. 'Not exactly the best of first impressions,' she thought wryly.
But Rutabe didn't seem to mind her state of undress, looking straight into her eyes instead of over her body.
"Um.may I come in?" he ventured.
"Oh! Of course you can!" Bulma exclaimed, quickly moving out of the way for his entrance.
"Thanks. I can hang out in the den while you get ready if you like."
"Yeah, sure. That'd be fine. Do you know where it i-" but Bulma didn't even need to finish her sentence before Rutabe was already out of the bedroom and comfortably situated in the other room. The woman felt a twinge of apprehension at this development. He knew her apartment. He must have been here before. But then, did that mean that he was the one who had driven Nrocinu's old roommate insane? Maybe going out on a date with him wasn't so great of an idea after all.
Seemingly sensing Bulma's sudden change of mood, Rutabe ducked his head back into the room and announced reassuringly, "I am one of Nrocinu's best friends. I've been here so many times that I'm sure I could draw a map of it blindfolded!"
Breathing a sigh of relief (though not quite sure why), Bulma nodded and selected a dress from her wardrobe, padding into the bathroom and shutting the door partially.
As she changed her garments, put her hair up in a bun and dabbed on some makeup, Bulma inquired, "So Rutabe.where exactly are we going for breakfast?"
"To this little café-type restaurant. It's called Tsuki-no-biki's. I know Tsuki, the owner; she's really quite nice. I think you'll like her." Rutabe answered from the den.
"Sounds great!" Bulma exclaimed. "Hey." she began, finally noticing her roommate's still-empty bed, "where's Nrocinu?"
"Oh, yeah. She was totally hammered last night and called me to take her to the infirmary. She'll be fine. Just had a little TOO much fun after her shift." the Saiyan replied, chuckling good-naturedly.
Laughing as well, Bulma grabbed a pair of shoes from the armoire and trotted over to his room. "I'm ready!" she stated, watching the alien's face take in her appearance with studious approval.
The creamy low-necked summer dress dotted with tiny purple jasmine clung auspiciously to Bulma's curves; showing off her already very impressive figure. The dress had loose, sheer material trailing from its tank-top sleeves that swept far past her wrists and fastened to a small loop of fabric that was slipped around the middle finger on each hand. The loose bun and fugitive tresses that slipped from their position framed the woman's face in a halo of blue waves, and the matching open-toed sandals that decorated Bulma's feet made her look even more fashionable than could have been achieved by any other accessories. However, one more decoration attracted Rutabe's attention. It was a small, white-gold toe-ring adorned with a single sapphire gem.
Motioning towards the ring, Rutabe asked, "What's the story behind that piece of jewelry?"
Looking down, Bulma began shyly, "It was my mother's. My father gave it to her for their first date. She gave it to me just before.before."
"I see." Rutabe replied, sensing her reservation about talking about something so personal. "I understand. Only now, it makes me feel somewhat sheepish; I mean, I didn't exactly get you anything special for our first date."
"Oh Rutabe, that's all right! You don't need to give me anything! I was surprised that you even asked me out."
"You shouldn't be. You're a very attractive young woman, Bulma Briefs. But, if you don't mind my asking, how is it you were able to keep that little ring safe for all these years?"
"Well, slave-masters aren't usually obsessed with their servants' feet, now are they?" said the woman, a small smile alighting her features.
"I shall take that as the undeniable truth, then! Come now. Let us be on our way to Tsuki's!" suggested the Saiyan.
"Most definitely. I don't think I've ever been so hungry in my life!" exclaimed the woman, latching onto Rutabe's arm and prancing alongside him as they left the apartment.
* * * * *
The duo had been walking down the unusually empty corridor for around two minutes before Bulma finally opened her mouth to begin a conversation.
"You said we're going to Tsuki's, and then to my new job, right? So where am I to be working?" asked Bulma.
"In one of Juick's high-level labs. He said you had a knack for putting things together; thought you'd fit in and be at your best in the technological-sciences wing."
"Nrocinu also had some choice careers picked for me." chirped the woman.
"What, pray tell, does she want you to do?" inquired Rutabe, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"She told me that she'll teach me how to dance so I can join her on the night shift at one of the complex's bars."
"And you said.?"
"I told her that I'd be thrilled to do it. It's every Earth-girl's fantasy to be a sensual dancer!" Bulma replied, swinging her hips seductively for emphasis.
"And I can see you've already got the 'God-given' talent necessary to pursue such a goal!" consented Rutabe, placing his hand boldly on the woman's right hip. "But allow me to give you a few.private lessons.."
Stopping in the middle of the hallway, Rutabe turned Bulma to him, and, ignoring her half-hearted protests about blocking the path for others, slid both of his hands to rest just above her hips and began twirling them in slow, lazy circles.
"You see." he began, "you gotta pretend like you're nothing but.oh, dammit; what's that wiggly food you Earthlings are so fond of?"
"Jell-o?" the woman supplied with a broad grin.
"Yes! Jell-o! Just let the motions be fluid, like you're designed for nothing but smooth movements. See? It's easy."
Feeling sheepish about having a handsome man instruct her on how to seduce other males, Bulma shied away from him quickly.
"Um.uh.oh." she stuttered, blushing like a schoolgirl, "I think we should probably be.ahem.be getting along to Tsuki's before our shifts start.."
Smiling winningly, Rutabe nodded. "Yes; at this rate, I'm afraid we'll never make it to breakfast!"
Her cheeks flushing even more, Bulma gave a shy smile and began walking again; almost squeaking in delighted surprise when Rutabe set his arm around her shoulder once more.
"So, um, Rutabe.what do you do to 'pay back' Juick?" she finally gulped out.
"I'm the head of his off-planet military forces. A bisexual, rare-species hunter has many enemies, you know." Rutabe replied, his eyes twinkling merrily.
"Sounds interesting.. What exactly do you do when off-planet?"
"I command a sizeable number of soldiers and we travel around to Juick's planetary purchases and make sure that no opposing persons try to lay claim to what our 'beloved lord' has already procured. Occasionally, we have to fight small wars with others who might try to unseat Juick's empire. However," Rutabe added, seeing Bulma's alarmed face, "we always win."
"That's good, I suppose. Are you gone often?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I only get about three days rest each month; but then, I don't typically have anything that I truly wish to stick around for. Rubiu and Shubaik are on my team, so we're always together. And about the only reason Nrocinu needs me around is to reassure her that her latest beau is better than the last. That, and she is quite fond of my remedy for 'accidental alcohol-over dosage,' as she calls it."
"Nrocinu is very.spirited, is she not?"
"Most definitely. If she isn't a bad example, then she's the best one you're liable to find in so punctual a place. Juick's rather strict when it comes to his 'rules and regulations,' but, most of the time, we all just blow him off."
A new thought occurring to her, Bulma questioned, "Rutabe, if your almost constantly off-planet picking fights, then how do you find the time to look for your brother?"
"Well, according to the information I've uncovered thus-far, it seems my long-lost sibling was sold a while ago to the services of some power-hungry tyrant. I'm hoping that, sometime on one of my missions, I may run across the dictator and actually find my brother."
"But doesn't that make you worry? I mean if you were to be at odds with your brother's master, then you'd be fighting with him as well, right?"
"That's a chance I'm willing to take. It's hard when you're all alone, as I'm sure you know well. But I'm not concerned with killing my own brethren, I'd know him if I saw him. I don't want to try to force him into service with me under Juick; I simply want to get to know him. We used to be best friends, but that all changed when our planet was destroyed and we were shipped in separate directions. If he's alive, I don't plan on killing him."
Eager for a distraction from the uncomfortable and rather touchy conversation that had only just begun, Bulma glanced around at the open area they had just entered. A glass roof exposed a vivid red sky filled with creamy clouds and allowed for the brilliantly bright star that was the planet's sun to flood light into the square enclosed by various shops and restaurants. Noticing for the first time that this was the only area she had so far encountered with a direct view into the outside world, Bulma's interest was piqued and she turned to question her escort.
"Rutabe, why is it that everything on Aurerua seems to be enclosed? Isn't this planet hospitable?"
"Aurerua is only fit for life 3 months out of its 17 month year." he replied casually, searching for Tsuki's café.
"Really? So is the entire planet covered by one huge building then?"
"Pretty much, with the only exception being the south side. That area is completely covered with swampland, not good conditions for constructing an enormous compound like this."
"Didn't Aurerua ever have any beings living on it?"
"Nope. Like I said, only 3 months out of the year is it livable. Before Juick transformed it into his intergalactic zoo.forgive the terminology.Aurerua was completely empty; 'ripe for the picking,' as your people say. Ah-ha! Here's Tsuki's.finally!"
Smiling pleasantly, Bulma followed Rutabe's lead as he strolled into the charming building. Tsuki-no-biki's was a lovely little restaurant situated on the north side of the square. To Bulma, it looked like cookie-cutter cottage one might see in a child's faerie-tale book or on the outskirts of some Swiss town. The double-doors were opened wide to admit customers and the inside was dramatically lit with small lanterns situated at the center of each table. The bar at the rear of the café with a large neon sign above it reading "????? ???? E????=!" immediately drew the woman's attention.
Pointing at the sign, Bulma asked, "What does that mean, Rutabe?"
Searching for his hostess friend in the filled restaurant, Rutabe merely glanced up before replying with a grin, "It says, 'Alcohol Not Served!' Tsuki is adamant when it comes to her vow of not serving the 'Devil's Drink.' Needless to say, Nrocinu doesn't come here much."
"Oh." Bulma said with a chuckle.
Still standing in the entrance, the couple scoured the room for a place to sit. Bulma was visibly amazed at the large crowd the obviously popular café attracted and Rutabe was in high spirits as he finally spotted and hailed the elderly female serving her customers from behind the bar. Excusing herself from her numerous patrons, the lady swept across the floor expertly, headed for her new guests.
"Rutie! How fabulous to see you again, my love!" Tsuki greeted warmly, her gray eyes twinkling gleefully as she opened her arms to the Saiyan.
Bulma examined the alien as she came to a stop in front of the duo. The woman seemed to be almost human in appearance, that is, until Bulma realized that their hostess had a fine assortment of tiny horns adorning her head in a crown-like manner, mild webbing between her fingers and, her most obvious inhuman characteristic, skin as blue as the midnight sky of Earth. Despite her somewhat threatening horns, Tsuki had the voice of a kindly grandmother and the lines on her face that indicated wisdom achieved only through a long life.
"Hello, Tsuki. It's a pleasure, as always!" replied Rutabe, grinning at her pet-name for him and stepping into her embrace.
"Darling, the pleasure is all mine and you damn well know it!" scolded Tsuki merrily. "But tell me, my love, who is this exquisite young creature accompanying you today?"
"Tsuki, I would be pleased to introduce you to Aurerua's newest arrival, Miss Bulma Briefs of planet Earth."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Tsuki." Bulma said with a slight bow.
"Oh darling! There's no need for formalities with me! It's Tsuki, and I can already tell I'm going to enjoy your pleasant company!" chided the elderly alien, pulling the couple into the restaurant and leading them to a corner table. "Come now, you two! I've saved Rutie's favorite table, as usual. It's been a while since I've seen you, my love; I'll be right over for a little chat as soon as I tend to those ruffian Ikusesae lingering at the bar!"
With her words, Tsuki not-so-graciously pushed her guests into their booth and went flouncing back over to the bar where three vicious-looking males with innumerable eyes and fiendish claws were arguing loudly in a strange language.
"Ikusesae are some of the most quarrelsome alien traders here." Rutabe informed Bulma lightly.
"You mean they're not another one of Juick's 'investments'?" queried the woman curiously.
"No. We have just as many aliens belonging to Juick's collection here as we do visiting ones. This place is a haven for traders and slave-dealers alike. Unfortunately, that means we often get the most undesirable of citizens hanging around in our otherwise reputable establishments." the Saiyan stated, making an irritated face.
"Tsuki seems to know how to deal with them." stated Bulma with a laugh, watching in amusement as the little old woman swiped at one of the creatures with a frying pan that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Yep. Tsuki's a spunky old thing, that's for sure." Rutabe agreed, grinning when one of the hostess' swings connected with a hapless Ikusesa's head. "She's like a grandmother to me. I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for her support of my quest to find my brother; she's about the only one who has commended my efforts instead of laughing at them."
"Some grandmother," Bulma muttered good-naturedly, watching in amusement as Tsuki chased the three agitators out the door, "just doesn't go around making trouble in her café!"
"Wiser words have never been spoken!" commended Rutabe as the subject of their conversation drew near.
"So kids, what'll it be today?" chirped Tsuki cheerily.
"I'll take whatever you've got, just please.don't hurt me!" kidded the Saiyan, sinking down in his seat in mock-fright.
Rolling her eyes, Tsuki turned to Bulma expectantly. Glancing down in front of her, Bulma realized that there was a menu there that she hadn't even bothered to open. Sheepishly, she picked up the card and began scanning its contents.getting even more embarrassed when she realized that she couldn't read a thing.
"Um.I.uh.." the woman stuttered helplessly.
"Give us two house specials, Tsuki. My lady-friend here hasn't had her translator module implanted yet." Rutabe interjected.
"Oh, I see!" Tsuki exclaimed with a warm smile. "It's okay, hun, they should be getting' around to new implantations this evening. You won't be clueless forever!"
Nodding, Bulma watched as the alien sauntered away to fill their orders.
"If I don't have that module-thing you were talking about, Rutabe," she began, "how come I can understand her? And you, for that matter?"
"Well, you understand me because I know your language quite fluently. And Tsuki just naturally picks up speaking whatever language her customers are chatting in when she walks up to them."
"Is that a normal talent of her species?"
"Not really. You see, Yugoes, her kind, don't have any written or spoken language, but they do have a unique ability to communicate with other beings using the strangers' language. However, that skill is not limited to being simply in written or spoken form. Tsuki developed her talent by forcing herself to communicate using only spoken words; and so, while its basis may have been natural, its development was not." Rutabe explained.
"I see." murmured Bulma, watching as the woman in question began shouting at her chief in a new language through a serving window.
Having completed her duty, Tsuki galloped back over to Rutabe and Bulma, plopping down in the seat next to the Saiyan.
"So, Rutie, doll, what'cha been up to these past couple'a weeks?" she asked cheerily.
"Not much, Tsuki. Basically, I've just planet-hopping and workin' to try and repair Juick and Emperor Rhazadaikl's tumultuous political relationship. The Kimishima Clan lord refuses to accept an audience with me. It's as if he's afraid of what I might do to him!" exclaimed Rutabe innocently.
Giggling lightly, Tsuki swiveled her head back over to Bulma.
"And what about you, dear? How are you settling in here on Aurerua?" the woman inquired politely.
"I'm fine." Bulma assured her. "I only just arrived yesterday, and so far, Rutabe's been the most gracious tour guide anyone could expect. He has been truly kind to me."
Rutabe's grin lit up at the human's praise, and he turned to Tsuki as she began to speak again.
"I think it's wonderful that Rutabe's been so charming to you. A pretty girl like yourself should expect the flowery words and sultry charm of males, and better that you learn so from a gentleman like Rutie than some heathen you meet in a dark hall!"
"Tsuki!" Rutabe objected, shocked. "I am not 'flowering-up' Bulma! I just so happen to find her a very friendly person whom I would like to be friends with!"
The elderly woman waved her hand nonchalantly, turning her attention from Rutabe's sputtering protests and Bulma's cherry-red face as their meals arrived. While Rutabe's complaints were temporarily halted by the bringing of food, Bulma's face would not cease its infernal burning. However, she was not merely embarrassed by Tsuki's words, but also a bit hurt by the Saiyan's immediate response to his friend's words. So Rutabe only wanted to be friends with her? Bulma tried to swallow the keen disappointment she felt; it's not like they had exchanged relationship vows or anything! She barely knew the man, for Kami's sake! But, all-in-all, she was still somewhat upset with Rutabe's protest against a possible romantic relationship blossoming quickly between the two of them.
Turning her attention from her uncomfortable thoughts, Bulma redirected it instead on the delicious smell wafting from the food set in front of her. Examining the meal with exaggerated interest, the woman took careful note of the surprisingly familiar staples before her.was it possible?
"Bacon and eggs.and pancakes?!" she exclaimed in delight. "I haven't had this for years!"
Smiling broadly, Tsuki replied, "Yes, dear. Earth-food has been a big fad on Aurerua for the past three years. It seems that your cholesterol-filled meals are just what my customers need after long trips or night shifts. In any case, I'm pleased that you like it."
"Oh, I do!" assured the human. "Back home, I used to love pancakes and bacon and eggs! But, however did you learn to make them?"
"Well, Rutabe here has been kind enough to pick up little souvenirs for me on his trips. One of my favorite gifts to get is cookbooks. I am in the opinion that it is nice to be able to expand one's palate, don't you agree?" answered Tsuki.
"I'm inclined to agree; though, I must admit, I am not always open to new tastes." replied Bulma, picking up a utensil that vaguely resembled a fork and beginning to cut up her food with it.
Nodding, Tsuki also began digging in, followed quickly by Rutabe.
The meal was delicious to Bulma. The eggs were somewhat rubbery, the bacon slightly charred, and the pancakes weren't fully cooked, but she ordered another helping all the same. After mowing through her seconds, Bulma was pleasantly stuffed and watching in amazement as Rutabe plowed through his seventh helping.
"Wow, that Saiyan sure can eat!" whispered Bulma to Tsuki, who was also finished eating.
"You think that's bad? You should have seen him as a child! Always munching on one course or another! However, he's gotten much more.polite in the way he eats." Tsuki muttered back, frowning as a stray piece of pancake smacked into the side of her head.
Stifling a giggle, Bulma covered her mouth and turned away to hide the mirth in her eyes.
Almost ten minutes later, Rutabe was finally stuffed after his twenty-sixth helping. Bulma was, in short, shocked at how much food the lean, muscular man could pack away. 'Where does he keep it all?' she wondered.
"Ah! Delicious, as usual, Tsuki!" Rutabe praised, picking up a toothpick from a small jar on the table and putting it behind his ear for later use. "Now, Bulma, should we be on our way? I need to get you to Dr. Urasuea within the hour or he'll have my hide!"
"Sure." Bulma agreed, surprised when Tsuki got up to let Rutabe out, crinkling up the check a waitress had just dropped on the table. "But," Bulma protested, "what about the bill?"
"Don't worry, hon." reassured Tsuki. "Rutie never needs to pay, and neither do his lovely lady dates."
"Wow, thank you so very much!" exclaimed Bulma as she got up from her seat and put out a hand to shake with the old lady.
"No shaking." scolded Tsuki. "I feel like you are my granddaughter! Give me a hug, honey!"
Obligingly, Bulma stepped forward and put her arms around the alien's neck, giving her a quick squeeze before taking up Rutabe's offered arm and strolling from the restaurant.
As they left the charming building, Bulma commented, "You were right, Rutabe."
"About what?" he asked, cleaning his teeth with the toothpick as they walked.
"I do like her." answered Bulma.
"I knew you would." agreed Rutabe. "Now, let's get down to the labs!"
Smiling and with a curt nod, Bulma followed quickly alongside Rutabe, almost skipping in her excitement.
Waving at the unnoticing duo as they pranced away, Tsuki smiled dreamily as she thought of the lovely couple that had just left her company.
"Rutabe, for her sake, I hope you'll take care of her.protect her from everyone, including yourself." she murmured softly.
* * * * *
PLEASE KEEP READING!!!
Author's Note: And there you have it! The 5th installment of BTAC! Hopefully, ya'll like it! Anyway, I've decided that, for this chappy, I'm goin' to have pronunciations for my characters (since I'm about the only one who knows exactly how to say them!) Here they are:
Pronunications
Qorgin (yes, he will reappear sometime in the future).Quar-gen Juick.Joo-ick Rutabe.Root-uh-bay (like the vegetable, rutabaga!) Nrocinu.Ner-rock-in-oo Rubiu.Roo-bee-oo (this was originally gonna be Vegeta's brother, but I decided instead on Rutabe and made Rubiu Rutabe's friend) Shubaik.Shoe-bike Aurerua.Ar-rear-ru-uh Tsuki.Soo-key (it means moon, she's named after my frightening friend whose internet name is "Tsuki no biki," or "maiden of the moon") Ikusesa.Ee-cues-say-suh Yugoe.You-go
And, um.I think that's all.so far! Sorry again for the late post! It wasn't my plan (in addition to my mother's limiting our computer time, the stupid machine broke and it took us two weeks to get it fixed). Anyway, please review this latest chappy and lemme know what'cha think! If you wanna AIM me, my AIM screenname is below, and so is my email addy. Feel free to AIM me (I'm on nearly every night at about 9 pm Mountain Time) or e- mail me anytime, we can chat it up about BTAC and my plans for it or debate some of my *many* inconsistencies (at least I'm sure there's many, my prob as a writer, I change my mind too much!) Domo arigatou for the kind reviews thus-far! Ja'ne!
AIM: Startigress04 or FuzziPanda16
E-mail: Trunkszgrl@hotmail.com
CHAPTER SIX WILL BE UP A.S.A.P!!!!